As well as providing a war veteran, the sixth series of The Apprentice reflects the sombre economic times, featuring two candidates whose careers floundered in the recession, and an unemployed graduate.

Alex Epstein, 26, had a high-paid job in corporate communications but is currently unemployed. He says the secret to success is "to be different ... when everyone else is zigging you should zag".

Joy Stefanicki, 31, described as a "marketing director", spent most of her career abroad before "falling victim to the recession in 2008" and returning to Britain.

Her introductory comment — "Be careful who you tread on as you go up as it's likely you'll need them on the way down" — suggests she may be an early backstabbing casualty.

Unemployed graduate Raleigh Addington, 22, has been unable to find work despite being trained as a tennis coach. His soundbite provides a clue as to how he may have spent his student years: "I'm ruthless even in Monopoly".

There are also three current or former investment bankers among the eight men and eight women candidates. Liz Locke, 24, who likens herself "to a Lamborghini, fast, exciting, stylish and successful", left to go into property development.

Mother-of-two Stella English, 30, works on the trading floor of a Japanese bank and names Bill Gates and Steve Jobs as her inspiration.

Chris Bates, 24, was employed by J P Morgan after graduating with a first, and says Gordon Ramsay is his business hero. He says his ambition is to "find a cure for worldwide illnesses".

Telecoms entrepreneur Stuart Baggs is the youngest-ever Apprentice contestant, at only 21. His first venture was selling yo-yos in the playground and he launched a business aged 18.

He describes himself as having "no sense of political correctness" which may find favour with the traditionalist tycoon.

The first episode is broadcast on BBC1 on October 6 and was put back from its usual spring slot because of the election — Lord Sugar was then a business advisor to the Government.

It is the first adult series — a junior version was broadcast in the summer — since Sir Alan became Lord Sugar.

It is also the first since his female consigliore Margaret Mountford stepped down to be replaced by West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady. But his other adviser Nick Hewer has stayed on.

In a typically uncompromising welcome to his new candidates, Lord Sugar said: "It's sink or swim and you've probably picked up by now that I don't do lifejackets."